In the wake of the Olympics there is always a surge of excitement about sports. We are all inspired by the athletes’ world-record-breaking performances and passion, their success at making their own marks on history. What we don’t often realize is how the clothing they wear, the equipment they use and the very stadium they compete in are contributing to their outstanding performances.

In 1998 I was lucky enough to be visiting the Wilsonart Laminate company in Temple, Texas. It was lunchtime and one of the executive assistants said “They are gutting the founders house today. You should take her over there. There’s lots of old laminate, it’s a real hoot!”...

This question comes from Caroline Alder, an art director in the film industry. She writes: “I am presently working on a period short film (mid 50s). The house we will be filming in has a lot of white wood veneer wall panels (see attached pictures). I am confident that wood veneer existed in that period but I question the white one.”

One of the great qualities of art is that it conveys meaning without words. Art makes us feel. Sometimes an artist uses color or composition or form to do this; the artists currently on view in a new exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. all use materials to elicit a certain sensory response in the viewer.

On the outskirts of Merida lies the little pueblo of Dzitya, which for generations has been home to some of the premiere stone carvers in Mexico. Evidence of the stone carving trade can be found in the names of towns throughout the Merida province, such as Tunich and Xcanatun.

Earlier this month, we featured Peter Glassford’s amazing wood assemblages. We are still so taken with his work, that we thought we would dig a little deeper into the species of tree he selects for his art.